Interesting spear
 

I bought this unusual item.

All the elements are fixed, on rivets. On one side one fragment is missing, so the second one on the other side is dangling.

What are your opinions and ideas?

That is very unusual to say the least. The spear of destiny:D I would suspect the mix of copper brass and steal an African origin. Rather cool, shame it is just the pointy bit.

Status symbol? Parade use? Movie prop? Piece of art? It does not seem to have been produced as a weapon.

Yes, it is certainly not a weapon, but most likely a symbol of power or a ceremonial item.

My feeling is that it is Africa, I can't say anything more precise yet.

The item does not give the impression of being a souvenir for tourists, it is too complicated, although the work is primitive. African souvenirs are simpler and usually copy or reproduce examples of cold weapons of local tribes. Moreover, no analogues have been found yet.

African tribes used unusual items during celebrations and various rituals.

At Oriental-Arms, Artzi Yarom once sold a spear, he assigned it to India.

There are some similarities, but the design is completely different, the part is removable.

http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=6774

Artzi's descriptive text:
http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=6774

[QUOTE=Bob A;297626]Artzi's descriptive text
Thanks Bob for the description.

My guess is that it's Africa, but I can't determine which region yet.

Best regards,
Yuri

While browsing through old threads, I found this dagger:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=tuareg

The handle plate is made using the same technique as the spear plate, possibly by the same craftsman.

I would place this from the Tuareg, who use similar materials and engraved symbols. They are in the northern Sahara, like Morocco and Algeria.

I agree, I also think that Tuareg motives are present.

Some years ago I had a strange spears/scepter object that may or may not have some connection to yours. I am still not sure exactly what it was. The head was inserted in the shaft via thread, and 2/3 of the shaft was in a steel sleeve. From past discussions I recall it ascribed to Northern India or to Sudan.

Thank you, yes, they have a lot in common.
My opinion is that it's Mandingo – regions of Mali, Cameroon, Gambia, and Senegal.